Image shows groups of people enjoying a park, boating lake and picnic areas on a sunny day.

Spring into Basingstoke and Deane for days out with the kids at our top family attractions

North Hampshire may not be the first place to spring to mind when planning a weekend away with the family, however we’re here to tell you why Basingstoke and Deane should absolutely be on your list of places to visit!

1. Get blown away at iFLY

Basingstoke is proud to be one of only four iFLY indoor skydiving locations in the UK where you can experience the feeling of freefall as you float on a smooth cushion of air. Welcoming flyers aged from three upwards and all abilities. iFLY is located on Basingstoke Leisure Park. You will find plenty of other activities to make a day of it here including Milestones Museum (more below!), Hollywood Bowl, Odeon, the Aquadrome and plenty of free parking.

Find out more about iFLY →

A girl smiles at the camera, she wears a light blue flight suit and orange safety helmet. She stands infront of the iFLY indoor skydiving wind tunnel.

2. Head back in time at Milestones Museum, Hampshire’s museum of living history

Stroll along the cobbled streets and travel through time from the age of the Victorians to the 1930s, 1940s and beyond. There is something for all ages, from vintage vehicles, Mr Simpson’s teddy bear museum, traditional penny arcade and retro arcade games. Did you know that with your ticket, you can visit as many times as you like within one year from the date of purchase and under-fives are free?

Find out more about Milestones Museum →

Two children swing from a silver bar on a vintage bus. They both smile at the camera.

3. Enjoy a great day at The Vyne National Trust

The Vyne National Trust is a former Tudor powerhouse turned 17th Century family home, set in gardens, woodlands and wetlands located just four miles North of Basingstoke town centre. Explore the intimate house, wander through rooms once enjoyed by notable guests like Henry VIII, Anne Boleyn and Jane Austen. Explore the outdoors, take part in a trail, discover secret picnic spots and woodlands, little ones can go wild in the natural play area created especially for very young children. Keep the family refreshed with a visit to the Tudor Tea room. Keep an eye on events taking place throughout this year including live music, outdoor cinema, outdoor theatre, trails and picnics.

Find out more about The Vyne →

View of the north front across the lake in early morning light at the Vyne, Hampshire. The Vyne is a warm red-bricked Tudor mansion built in the 16th century for Lord Sandys, Henry VIII's Lord Chamberlain, which later passed into the hands of the Chute family, who cared for the house and estate for over 300 years. It was remodelled to its present configuration in the mid-17th century.

The Vyne ©National Trust Images/John Miller

4. Explore Whitchurch including Whitchurch Silk Mill

Surrounded by picturesque rolling countryside and sweeping chalk downland, much of this charming town is a conservation area and contains many listed and notable buildings, including Whitchurch Silk Mill. Watch the looms and waterwheel in operation, see various exhibitions and visit the café of Britain’s only working Silk Mill still operating in its original building. The crystal-clear waters of the River Test flow through the centre of Whitchurch and have provided the silk mill with its power for over 200 years. Tickets for under-fives are free. Discover more of Whitchurch on one of the many walks including a family fun walk with quiz and The Mill Trail. Whitchurch is easily reached off the A34 (south) and M3 from Winchester, A34 (north) and M4 from Newbury and the A303 from the southwest. See more sustainable ways to travel from Whitchurch Silk Mill.

Find out more about Whitchurch Silk Mill →

Image shows vintage machinery within a Silk Mill museum. Colourful threads in a rainbow of colours line the loom.

5. Create memories at 4 Kingdoms Adventure Park and Family Farm

Expect fun, adventure, farming and nature at 4 Kingdoms Adventure Park. There’s several play zones including a petting barn, tractor rides, laser tag, giant slides, pedal boats, inflatables and more. In the summer the centre of the park becomes its on own beach with pools, a slip slide and a large sand pit….you can even expect deck chairs to chill in the sun! All activities are included within the ticket price, so once you pay you can play all day. Also, parking on site is completely free as long as you have paid entry. 4 Kingdoms Adventure Park is easily accessible off the A339 in between Basingstoke and Newbury. Ticket prices vary by age and children under the age of one visit free.

Find out more about 4 Kingdoms Adventure Park and Family Farm →

A farm track to take you around 4 Kingdoms Adventure Farm Park

More?

There is lots to entertain the whole family at Basingstoke town centre. For shopping, dining and entertainment head to Festival Place, a dog-friendly shopping centre. Home to 150 stores, over 35 restaurants, bars and cafés, two escape rooms, Flip Out and Vue Multiplex cinema.

Whilst in the town centre, enjoy free entry to the Willis Museum and Sainsbury Gallery to discover Basingstoke and Deane’s past from medieval times to modern day. Find out more about visiting the museum and upcoming events here.

Fancy some fresh air? Why not take part in the Streets Alive trail or just a short walk from the town centre will take you to Eastrop Park, enjoy the play area, tree trail and watch the ducks on the boating lake. There are plenty of picnic spots, in summer children can cool down in the paddling pool or with an ice cream/ cold drink from the boathouse café.

Discover exciting events throughout the year from arts, culture, sports and much more. A highlight in the calendar this summer is Basingstoke Festival, a free annual outdoor arts festival from Friday 23 June to Sunday 9 July 2023.

Where to stay?

From luxury accommodation to sleeping under the stars, Basingstoke and Deane offers a wide range of accommodation to choose from. Explore places to stay in the town centre and beyond.

Looking for something a little different? See the Love Basingstoke guide to unique stays in Basingstoke and Deane and dog friendly stays.

Useful information

Plan your visit to Basingstoke and Deane

Looking after our borough while you visit

Why Basingstoke and Deane?

With a rich history and excellent location, Basingstoke and Deane offers the perfect blend of a vibrant town and scenic countryside. Whether you are visiting for a day, weekend or longer, you’ll find lots of things to do and places to explore. There is no need to leave any member of the family at home, see our guide to Dog friendly Basingstoke and Deane.

Getting here

Basingstoke benefits from a central location, just 50 minutes from London and 60 minutes from the south coast by car. We are well positioned along the M3 with transport links to the M4 and M25.